I prefer to call the visiting of the sick and housebound the “ministry of active presence” because it seems to indicate that:
- It is a service that we are called to, both as a community and as individuals
- It requires effort from us in some form or another
- It requires us to be present to another, bringing the community to the individual, and the individual in prayer before the community
When I am visiting the sick and housebound, particularly if I am taking them Holy Communion, I tell them that through this visit the community is present to them, for we are eating the bread consecrated at the same altar in the Church, the body of Christ which unites us together. It is a sign that though sick or housebound they remain part of the body; they have not been forgotten.
I can’t imagine a more profound service that we can do as a community, and this is something that anyone can do. Sacramental life may be the preserve of those ordained to that service, but bringing the presence of Christ into people’s lives is something that any of the baptised can do and must do.
It will take effort. Those called to this ministry will have to sacrifice an hour or two once a week to this service. It may mean sacrificing some leisure time, or family time or gym time. It may require you to travel to places further afield, and it is even possible that it may have some financial implications for you.
Being fully, truly present to another is also not always easy. The person that you may be asked to visit regularly could be unpleasant and drain you of energy with their negativity. Being old or sick or housebound doesn’t make you a saint. If anything, it may do the opposite. By being present to someone we affirm their value, even if we struggle to see it ourselves. The person we visit is a child of God, maybe bruised and hurting or mean and cranky or simply delightful, but still a child of God whom we affirm by choosing to spend or “waste” time with them.
I hope I haven’t made this ministry sound too challenging and unappealing. I know from experience that I feel tremendous satisfaction when through a visit someone has received some comfort. There are rewards when we do this work of the Lord, if not in this life, then definitely in the next. If you would like to serve in this ministry, please contact me.
Additionally, if you or anyone that you know would be interested in receiving regular visits from myself and a member of our ministry team, please get in touch with me through the various parish communication channels.
